Artists, grab your best artwork. Everybody else, learn a song and get ready to sing it.

The art festival Hygienic Art XXXVII runs Friday, Jan. 29, through Feb. 13 in New London. Nearly a dozen activities will be held in the Bank Street neighborhood, including the reason for the festival's existence: Salon des Indépendants. The annual art exhibit is open to any artist who wants in. Each can bring one artwork and hang it in the Hygienic Art Gallery. There is no censorship, so parental discretion is advised.

"Every year something outrageous comes in," said event spokeswoman Sarah McKay. "It's almost like a test to see how brave you can be." The hanging of the artworks can be quite a madhouse, so artists are advised to show up early to get good spots in the gallery.

Another highlight is the Ice Carnival on Saturday, Jan. 30, at the art park next to the gallery. Admission to the carnival is free to see the fire breathers and ice sculptures. Those who want the free tickets to play games must sing a song to get them.

Other activities include a rock concert, a hootenanny, a cabaret, a fashion show and a youth art exhibit to see more family-friendly works. A photo scavenger hunt and exhibit has the theme "Shoot Pictures, Not People!" emphasizing nonviolence.

Tony Bacewicz / Courant file photo

The Ice Carnival at Hygienic Art Park is Jan. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m., and features a midway of games and interactive activities.

The Ice Carnival at Hygienic Art Park is Jan. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m., and features a midway of games and interactive activities. (Tony Bacewicz / Courant file photo)

Here's a list of activities. Admission is free to everything. Some events ask for a suggested donation. Beverages are sold in some venues. Area restaurants will be open. Free parking is available in the municipal parking structure near Hygienic Galleries. Details: hygienic.org.